In the past year, the education system has changed drastically. Schools were shut and colleges and university campuses were empty due to the pandemic. The students were forced to pursue their education online from their homes. While many struggled to get accustomed to this change, many started realising the benefits of online learning. 

 

Today, e-learning is an essential component of our education systems. Students are not only dependent on online learning for academics but also for learning extracurricular skills. Let us see some pros and cons of e-learning over classroom learning. 

 

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Pros of e-learning over classroom learning 

 

#1 Learning can take place from anywhere

 

Online learningLinks to an external site. eliminates the need of being physically present in the classroom. Students can study from anywhere and at any time. This way, schools can reach out to more students who live in remote areas but want to access high-quality education. Additionally, schools and colleges can record the video lectures so that students can watch them any number of times. 

 

#2 Online learning is more affordable 

 

Online learning eliminates many costs associated with classroom learning such as the cost of student transportation, student meals and the cost of property for schools. For students learning from home is very convenient and parents can save a lot on additional tuition fees. All the books, course materials and notes can be available online thereby eliminating the need for every student to buy the study materials. 

 

#3 Asynchronous learning is possible 

 

We know that every student is different. Each one has a different learning style. Online learning embraces this fact and allows asynchronous learning where students can study at their own pace. Jessica, who works with a group of assignment helpersLinks to an external site. online says, “in classroom learning where teachers have to maintain a steady pace in the class to complete the syllabus on time. In online learning, it is the responsibility of the student to pace their learning.”

 

#4 Online learning is more personalised 

 

Online learning platformsLinks to an external site. provide a direct means of communication between teachers and students that is via emails. This way teachers can address their concerns and students can ask their queries and discuss their academic problems easily with the teachers. Online learning allows the teachers to provide personalised feedback to every student based on their learning journey. This is quite not possible in classroom learning as teachers often do not have the time or bandwidth. 

 

Cons of e-learning over classroom learning 

 

#1 There could be technological issues 

 

Sometimes, it could be difficult to maintain a steady internet connection or there could be glitches in the computer system. This could prevent the student from attending live online classes or webinars. On the other hand, not every house has the provision of separate computers for the children and an internet connection. The classroom does not require any of these things. It just needs students to be present in the class. 

 

#2 Students might feel isolated 

 

The classroom environment is full of interaction and involvement. Students can communicate directly with the teachers and all their classmates. The online learning environment restricts this. Martin provides academic assignment helpLinks to an external site. to high school students. He says that when students have to study from home, they hardly get a chance to talk to friends during class and it could result in making them feel isolated. However, face-to-face learning, discussions and interactive sessions online could help students recover this feeling. 

 

#3 Students cannot get a full-fledged classroom experience 

 

Amanda works with MyAssignmentAssistanceLinks to an external site. and provides academic help to students in Maths and Science. According to Amanda, “attending classes, being in the college campus or school premises, interacting with friends, participating in events, all of this could be missed in online learning. However, students can connect virtually with friends, organise virtual events, yet they would miss having a full-fledged college or school experience.”

 

#4 Students need strong motivational and time management skills 

 

Tara, who provides essay helpLinks to an external site. to school and college students says, “online learning requires self-discipline, strong motivational and time managementLinks to an external site. skills to a great extent. Students have to motivate themselves to get up every day and move to the next room to attend a class. This is because, when we are at home, we are in a relaxed environment. Students have to create a study-friendly environment for themselves while learning online. Classroom learning does not need that. It automatically provides a disciplined environment to the students.”

 

To Summarise

 

Online learning may be the need of the hour. But it has its pros and cons over classroom learning. While online learning provides flexibility and convenience, classroom learning offers more discipline and motivation. Online learning is more personalised while classroom learning offers a variety of campus experiences to the students. If you ask us to pick just one, it would be hard. But we hope that in future we could be using blended learning more often than just online or classroom learning.